Connector with latching mechanism

ABSTRACT

A connector includes a latching mechanism configured to mechanically unlatch the connector and a mating connector. The latching mechanism of the connector, when actuated to unlatch the connector and the mating connector, disengages both a retention feature of the connector and a retention feature of the mating connector.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to latching connector assemblies andto associated systems and methods.

BACKGROUND

Connector assemblies include a pair of connectors, referred to as aconnector and a mating connector, where the connector may include aconnector housing and a plurality of components disposed within theconnector housing and the mating connector includes a mating connectorhousing with a plurality of mating components disposed within the matingconnector housing. The components of the connector are configured tocouple with mating components of the mating connector, e.g., to make anelectrical or optical connection. For example, in an electricalconnector assembly, the components of the connector are electricalcontacts that are configured to electrically couple to mating electricalcontacts of the mating connector. In an optical connector, thecomponents of the connector are optical elements or optical devices thatare configured to optically couple to mating optical elements or devicesof the mating connector.

Connector assemblies can be in-line connector assemblies wherein eachconnector of a connector pair is attached to and supported by a cable,e.g., a cable comprising one or more optical waveguides or a cablecomprising one or more electrical wires, such that mating the connectorsof the connector pair provides a cable-to-cable connection. In someconfigurations, one or both of the connector housings of a connectorpair is attached to a backplane or other circuit on which electricaltraces, optical waveguides, or fiber cables are routed. In thisconfiguration, mating the connectors provides a board-to-cable orbackplane to circuit board signal connection. In still otherconfigurations, both connectors can be attached to circuit boards sothat mating the connectors of the connector pair provides aboard-to-board connection.

The connector and the mating connector of a connector pair may beassigned a “gender” and designated as “male” or “female.” The “female”connector is generally a receptacle that receives and holds the “male”connector. Hermaphroditic connectors are those that have both male andfemale elements. In some hermaphroditic connector assemblies, theconnector and the mating connector are identical.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Some embodiments involve a hermaphroditic connector configured to matewith a mating hermaphroditic connector. The connector includes alatching mechanism configured to mechanically unlatch the connector andthe mating connector. The latching mechanism of the connector, whenactuated to unlatch the connector and the mating connector, disengagesboth a retention feature of the connector and a retention feature of themating connector.

Some embodiments are directed to a latching mechanism for a connector. Afirst retention feature is arranged at a first side of the connector anda second retention feature is arranged at a second side of theconnector. A first disengagement feature is configured to disengage thesecond retention feature of the connector from a first retention featureof a mating connector. A second disengagement feature is configured todisengage a second retention feature of the mating connector from thefirst retention feature of the connector. An actuator mechanism isconfigured to cause movement of the first and second disengagementfeatures to disengage the second retention features from the firstretention features.

Some embodiments are directed to a connector having a latchingmechanism. The latching mechanism includes a retention feature disposedon a first side of the connector and a complementary retention featuredisposed on a second side of the connector opposite the first side. Theretention feature of the connector is configured to engage acomplementary retention feature of a mating connector and thecomplementary retention feature of the connector is configured to engagea retention feature of the mating connector. A first arm is disposedalong the first side of the connector, the first arm having a first endand a second end and one or more cams disposed at the second end of thefirst arm. A linkage attaches the first end of the first arm to thesecond end of an actuating lever. A second arm is disposed along thesecond side of the connector, the second arm having a first end and asecond end and at least one cam disposed at the second end of the secondarm. A pivot arm is rigidly attached to the second end of the actuatinglever and is attached to the first end of the second arm by a hinge.Actuation of the actuating lever causes rotation of the first end of thelever around the second end of the lever, the rotation of the first endof the lever causes the pivot arm to rotate around a fulcrum, rotationof the pivot arm around the fulcrum causes the first arm and the secondarm to move in opposite directions along the first and second sides ofthe connector, respectively. Motion of the first arm causes the cams atthe second end of the first arm to disengage the retention feature ofthe connector from the complementary retention feature of the matingconnector. Motion of the second arm causes the cam at the second end ofthe second arm to disengage the complementary retention feature of theconnector from the retention feature of the mating connector.

Some embodiments involve a method of unlatching a connector from amating connector. An actuating lever coupled to a pivot arm and to firstand second side arms is moved. A pivot arm is rotated in response tomovement of the actuating lever. First and second side arms movetranslationally in opposite directions in response to rotation of thepivot arm. A second retention feature of the connector disengages from afirst retention feature of a mating connector in response to movement ofthe second side arm. A second retention feature of the mating connectordisengages from a first retention feature of the connector in responseto movement of the first side arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are cross sectional schematic diagrams of a connectorassembly comprising a connector and a mating connector in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIGS. 2A and 2B show left and right perspective views, respectively, ofa connector assembly in the mated position;

FIGS. 2C and 2D show left and right perspective views, respectively, ofthe connector assembly of FIGS. 2A and 2B in the unmated position;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate left side and right side perspective views,respectively, of optical connector having a latching mechanism in theneutral position (not in the process of being unlatched) in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the latching mechanism of FIGS. 2A through 2B in apartially released latch position in accordance with some embodiments;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the latching mechanism of FIGS. 2A and 2B in afully released latch position in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5C provides a detailed view of the rotation of the pivot arm of thelatching mechanism around the fulcrum due to operation of the actuatinglever;

FIG. 6 illustrates alignment of a connector and a mating connector thatis achieved using pins and sockets, the alignment features of FIG. 6being suitable for use in conjunction with a latching mechanism as shownin FIGS. 2A and 2B in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 7 shows alignment between electrical or optical coupling deviceswhich includes pins and a mating connector which includes sockets whereat least one of the pins include one or more flats, the alignmentfeatures of FIG. 7 being suitable for use in conjunction with a latchingmechanism as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B in accordance with someembodiments;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate alignment between electrical or opticalcoupling devices which are hermaphroditic, the alignment features ofFIGS. 8A and 8B being suitable for use in conjunction with a latchingmechanism as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B in accordance with someembodiments; and

FIGS. 9A through 9D provide an example of hermaphroditic alignmentfeatures suitable for use in conjunction with a latching mechanism asshown in FIGS. 2A and 2B in accordance with some embodiments.

The figures are not necessarily to scale. Like numbers used in thefigures refer to like components. However, it will be understood thatthe use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is notintended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the samenumber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments described herein involve latching mechanisms for connectorassemblies. A latching mechanism operates to keep the connectors of aconnector pair mechanically secured to prevent accidental decoupling ofthe components of the connector and the mating components of the matingconnector. In some embodiments, connector assemblies include connectorsthat are hermaphroditic and each connector in a mating pair areidentical. A latching mechanism according to embodiments disclosedherein can be operated to unlatch the connector from the matingconnector from either end or either side of the connector assembly. Thecompact single-end latching mechanism disclosed herein can be used toprovide a small footprint connector capable of mating, latching,unlatching, and de-mating from an identical mating connector. Forexample, the connector having a latching mechanism and/or alignmentfeatures as described herein can be mated and latched with an identicalin-line connector to provide cable-to-cable connection, or can be matedand latched with a connector of a multi-module backplane or frontplanetype carrier to provide a high signal density, high-signal countboard-to-board interface.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are cross sectional schematic diagrams of a connectorassembly 100 comprising a connector 101 and a mating connector 111 inaccordance with some embodiments. FIG. 1A shows the connector 101 andthe mating connector 111 in the mated position and FIG. 1B shows theconnector 101 and mating connector 111 in the unmated position. In theillustrated embodiment, the connector 101 and the mating connector 111are identical and hermaphroditic, each having “male” and “female”features. The connector 101 includes a housing 102 and connectorcomponents 103, e.g., electrical contacts or optical elements, disposedwithin the housing 102. The mating connector 111 includes an identicalhousing 112 with connector components 113 disposed therein, theconnector components 113 of the mating connector 111 are configured tocouple with the connector components 103 of the connecter 101, e.g., toform an electrical or optical connection.

The connector 101 and the mating connector 111 may include complementaryalignment features 107 a, 107 b, 117 a, 117 b configured to facilitatealignment of the connector 101 and the mating connector 111 duringmating. The complementary alignment features 107 a, 107 b, 117 a, 117 bare configured to engage and align the housings 102, 112 and/orconnector components 103, 113 of the connector 101 and the matingconnector 111 as the connector 101 moves relative to the matingconnector 111 along the mating axis 199.

The connector and mating connector 101, 111 each have a latchingmechanism 104, 114 that includes an actuator mechanism 105 a, 115 a, adisengagement features 105 b, 115 b, and retention elements 106 a, 106b, 116 a, 116 b. The retention elements 106 a of the connector latchingmechanism 104 are configured to mechanically engage and latch withcomplementary mating retention elements 116 b of the latching mechanism114 of the mating connector 111. The retention elements 106 b areconfigured to mechanically engage and latch with complementary matingretention elements 116 a of the mating connector 111.

The actuator mechanism 105 a of the connector 101 can be operated by ahuman user to cause the disengagement feature 105 b to disengage(unlatch) the retention element 106 b of the connector 101 from theretention element 116 a of the mating connector 111 and to disengage(unlatch) the retention element 116 b of the mating connector 111 fromthe retention element 106 a of the connector 101. The actuator mechanism115 a of the mating connector 111 can be operated by a human user tocause the disengagement feature 115 b to disengage (unlatch) theretention element 116 b of the mating connector 111 from the retentionelement 106 a of the connector 101 and to disengage (unlatch) theretention element 106 b of the connector 101 from the retention element116 a of the mating connector 111. Actuating either the actuatormechanism 105 a of the connector 101 or the actuator mechanism 115 a ofthe mating connector 111 unlatches the retention element 106 b of theconnector from the retention element 116 a of the mating connector andunlatches the retention element 116 b of the mating connector 111 fromthe retention element 106 a of the connector 101. Thus, the connector101 and the mating connector 111 can be disengaged by actuating only oneof actuator mechanisms 105 a, 115 a and it is not necessary to actuateboth actuator mechanisms 105 a, 115 a to unlatch the connector pair.Latching mechanisms that can be actuated from either connector of aconnector pair is referred to herein as a “single-end-actuated” latchingmechanism.

FIGS. 2A through 5C are diagrams of a connector assembly 200 comprisinga connector 201 and a mating connector 211 that each have asingle-end-actuated latching mechanism 204, 214. The exemplary connectorassembly 200 shown in FIGS. 2A through 5C is illustrated as an opticalconnector assembly 200 which includes optical connector components e.g.,optical ferrules also referred to as light coupling units, configured tooptically couple with the mating optical connector components of themating connector. It will be appreciated that illustrating thesingle-end-actuated latching mechanisms disclosed herein for an opticalconnector assembly is a matter of convenience and thesingle-end-actuating latching mechanisms could be utilized with any typeof connector assembly, e.g., an electrical connector assembly, anopto-electronic connector assembly, and/or a connector assembly thatincludes both electrical and optical components and connects bothelectrical and optical paths.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show left and right perspective views, respectively, ofthe connector assembly 200 in the mated position. FIGS. 2C and 2D showleft and right perspective views, respectively, of the connectorassembly 200 in the unmated position. During mating, the connector 201moves relative to the mating connector 211 along the mating axis 299. Inthis embodiment, the connector 201 and the mating connector 211 areidentical and hermaphroditic, each having “male” and “female” elements.The connector 201 includes a housing 202 and optical ferrules 203 (alsoreferred to as “light coupling units”) disposed within the housing 202.The mating connector 211 includes a housing 212 with optical ferrules213 disposed within housing 212. The optical ferrules 203 of connector201 are configured to optically couple with the optical ferrules 213 ofthe mating connecter 211 when the connectors 201, 211 are mated.

The connector 201 has a latching mechanism 204 that includes an actuatormechanism 205, disengagement features 223, 229, and retention elements206 a, 206 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator mechanism 205comprises an actuating lever 221, side arms 222, 224, pivot arm 225,fulcrum 226, linkage 228, and hinged joint 227 as shown in FIGS. 3Athrough 5C. The mating connector 211 has a latching mechanism 214 thatincludes an actuator mechanism 215, disengagement features 233, 239 andretention elements 216 a, 216 b. When the connector pair 200 is mated,the retention element 206 a of the connector latching mechanism 204mechanically engages and latches with a complementary mating retentionelement 216 b of the latching mechanism 214 of the mating connector 211.The retention element 216 a of the connector latching mechanism 214 isconfigured to mechanically engage and latch with complementary matingretention element 206 b of the latching mechanism 204 of the connector201.

In the illustrated example, the retention elements 206 a, 216 a are dualcatches and the retention elements 206 b, 216 b are latches. Whenactuated by operation of the actuator mechanism 205, the disengagementfeature 229 of the connector 201 is configured to disengage (unlatch)the latch 206 b of the connector 201 from the mating catches 216 a ofthe mating connector 211 and disengagement feature 223 is configured tounlatch the latch 216 b of the mating connector 211 from the catches 206a of the connector 201. When actuated by operation of the actuatormechanism 215, the disengagement feature 239 of the mating connector 211is configured to unlatch the latch 216 b of the mating connector 211from the catches 206 a of connector 201 and disengagement feature 233 isconfigured to unlatch the latch 206 b of the connector 201 from thecatches 216 a of the mating connector 211. Operating either the actuatormechanism 205 of the connector 201 or the actuator mechanism 215 of themating connector 211 unlatches both the latch 206 b of the connector andthe latch 216 b of the mating connector 211. Thus, the connector 201 andthe mating connector 211 can be unlatched by operating only one ofactuator mechanisms 205, 215 and it is not necessary to operate bothactuator mechanisms 205, 215 to unlatch the retention elements 206 a,206 b, 216 a, 216 b. Each of the connectors 201, 211 of connectorassembly 200 includes a single-end-actuated latching mechanism and theconnector and the mating connector of the connector pair can beunlatched from either end of the connector assembly by operating one ofthe actuator mechanisms 205, 215. Operating both the actuator mechanism205 of the connector 201 and the actuator mechanism 215 of the matingconnector 211 is not needed to unlatch the connector pair 200.

FIGS. 3A through 5C show in more detail components of the actuatormechanism 205 and the disengagement features 223, 229 and illustrate theunlatching operation of the single-end-actuated latching mechanism 204.FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate left side and right side perspective views,respectively, of optical connector 201 having a latching mechanism 204in the neutral position (not in the process of being unlatched). Thelatching mechanism 204 includes a first retention feature 206 a (e.g.,dual catches) disposed on a first side 201 a of the connector 201 and asecond retention feature 206 b (e.g., a latch) disposed on a second side201 b of the connector 201 opposite the first side 201 a.

The actuator mechanism 205 includes an actuating lever 221 having afirst end 221 a and a second end 221 b. A first side arm 222 is disposedalong the first side 201 a of the housing 201. The first side arm has afirst end 222 a and a second end 222 b. A linkage 228 connects thesecond end 221 b of the actuating lever 221 to the first end 222 a ofthe first side arms. The linkage 228 may comprise a first hinge joint228 a attached to the lever 221 and a second hinge joint 228 b attachedto the first end 222 a of the first side arm 222. Alternatively, thelinkage 228 may comprise a first hinge joint attached to the lever and abendable blade attached to the first end of the first side arm.

First disengagement features, e.g., one or more cams 223, are disposedat the second end 222 b of the first side arm 222. In some embodiments,the first side arm 222 comprises two sub-arms that extend on either sideof the catches 206 a, and a cam 223 is disposed at the second end ofeach of the sub-arms. The actuator mechanism 205 includes a second sidearm 224 disposed along the second side 201 b of the housing 201. Thesecond side arm 224 has a first end 224 a and a second end 224 b. Asecond disengagement feature, e.g., a cam 229, is disposed at the secondend 224 b of the second side arm 224. The actuator mechanism 205includes a pivot arm 225 that pivots about a fulcrum 226 which isrigidly attached to the second end 221 b of the actuating lever 221 andis attached to the first end 224 a of the second arm 224 by a hingedjoint 227.

FIGS. 4A through 5C illustrate in more detail the unlatching operation.FIGS. 4A and 4B show the latching mechanism 204 in a partially releasedlatch position. FIGS. 5A and 5B show the latching mechanism 204 in afully released latch position. The latching mechanism 204 is operated tounlatch the connector 201 from a mating connector (not shown in FIGS. 4Athrough 5C but shown in FIGS. 2A through 2D) by applying a force to theactuating lever 221. Actuation of the actuating lever 221 rotates theactuating lever 221 around the lever's second end 221 b which isconnected to the first side arm 222 as indicated by arrow 298. Thesecond end 221 b of the lever 221 is rigidly attached to the pivot arm225 and rotation of the lever 221 causes rotation of the pivot arm 225around the fulcrum 226. FIG. 5C provides a detailed view of the rotationof the pivot arm 225 around the fulcrum 226 due to operation of theactuating lever 221. Rotation of the pivot arm 225 around the fulcrum226 causes the first side arm 222 and the second side arm 224 to move inopposite directions along the mating axis 299. During unlatching, thefirst side arm 222 moves in the direction indicated by arrow 297. Thesecond side arm 224 moves in the direction indicated by arrow 296.Motion of the first side arm 222 causes the cams 223 at the second end222 b of the first side arm 222 to move the latch 216 b of the matingconnector 211 (see FIGS. 2B and 2D) away from the first side 201 a ofthe connector housing 201 along an axis perpendicular to the mating axis299. The movement of the mating connector latch 216 b disengages thelatch 216 b from the catches 206 b.

The opposite motion of the second side arm 224, indicated by arrow 296,causes the cam 229 disposed at the second end 224 b of the second sidearm 224 to slide under the latch 206 b, moving the latch 206 b away fromthe second side 201 b of the connector housing 201 along an axisperpendicular to the mating axis 299. Movement of the connector latch206 b disengages the latch 206 b from the catches 216 a of the matingconnector 211 (not shown in FIG. 4A, but shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C).

The components of the latching mechanism described herein may be made ofany suitable material, e.g., metal, plastic, etc. Portions of thelatching mechanism that are stationary may be molded as part of theconnector housing. For example, in some implementations, the lever,pivot arm, fulcrum, side arms, latches, and cams are made of metal andthe catches are a molded part of the connector housing.

In some embodiments, in addition to the latching mechanisms describedabove, the connector may include alignment features configured to alignthe connector with the mating connector to facilitate proper alignmentof connector components, e.g., optical elements, electrical contacts,opto-electronic devices, etc., when the connector is mated with a matingconnector. FIGS. 6 through 9D show examples of connector alignmentfeatures that can be implemented in conjunction with the latchingmechanisms described herein. It will be appreciated that FIGS. 6 through9D illustrate a representative, non-limiting set of alignment featuresand that many other types of alignment features could alternatively oradditionally be used with the disclosed latching mechanisms. Thealignment features shown in FIGS. 6 through 8D may be used with thedisclosed latching mechanisms, however in FIGS. 6 through 8D, thelatching mechanisms are not shown so that the alignment features arevisible.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, alignment between an electrical or opticalcoupling device 601 and a mating electrical or optical coupling device611 of a connector assembly 600 may be achieved using pins 621 a, 621 band sockets 622 a, 622 b, e.g., round pins and round sockets. In theseimplementations, precise location of pins 621 a, 621 b and sockets 622a, 622 b prevents binding during mating. For example, the opticalcoupling device may comprise an electrical and/or optical ferrule or anelectrical and/or optical connector.

When round pins and sockets are used, there is a tradeoff betweensufficient clearance between pins and sockets to provide smooth matingand positioning error. If clearance between pins and sockets isrelatively large, mating is smooth but alignment of connector componentsmay be less precise. In contrast, when clearance between pins andsockets is relatively small, alignment is more precise, but the pins andsockets may bind during mating.

In some embodiments, shown in FIG. 7, using a pin that has flats orother relief features along at least a portion of the length of the pin(along the x axis indicated in FIG. 7) relaxes the clearance needed toachieve both smooth mating and precise alignment. FIG. 7 shows thealignment between connector 701 which includes sockets 722 a, 722 b andmating connector 711 which includes pins 721 a, 721 b. Pin 721 b has oneor more flats 723. When inserted into the socked 722 a, the round pin721 a can control four degrees of freedom of the connector (translationalong the y axis, translation along the z axis, rotation around the yaxis (pitch), rotation around the z axis (yaw). The relieved pin 721 bcontrols a fifth degree of freedom (rotation around the x axis (roll).The sixth and final degree (translation along the x axis) is controlledby the final mating faces 704, 714 of the connectors 701, 711.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate connector pairs having male and femaleconnectors. It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, thealignment features illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 may be arranged so thatboth the connector and the mating connector are hermaphroditic and haveboth male and female features.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are top and bottom views of an electrical or opticalcoupling device 801 and a mating electrical or optical coupling device811 wherein the devices 801, 811 are hermaphroditic. The alignmentfeatures of FIGS. 8A and 8B are suitable for use in conjunction with alatching mechanism shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. As illustrated in FIGS. 8Aand 8B, each coupling device 801, 811 includes both male and femalealignment components. Coupling device 801 includes pin 821 a thatengages with socket 822 b of coupling device 811. Coupling device 801also includes socket 822 a that engages with pin 821 b of couplingdevice 811.

FIGS. 9A through 9D provide another example of hermaphroditic alignmentfeatures suitable for use in conjunction with a latching mechanism aspreviously discussed. In this example, connector assembly 900 includesconnector 901 and an identical mating connector 911 which in thisexample are optical connectors. The connectors 901, 911 include ahousing 902, 912 with optical ferrules 903, 913 arranged therein.Connector 901 includes an alignment features 921 a, 921 b. In thisexample, alignment feature 921 a is a t-post which in cross sectionapproximates the shape of a “T” and alignment feature 921 b is a t-slot921 b which is dimensioned to receive the t-post 922 a of the matingconnector 911. Mating connector 911 includes an alignment featurecomprising t-post 922 a and an alignment feature comprising t-slot 922 bwhich is dimensioned to receive the t-post 921 a of the matingconnector. In this embodiment, the alignment features 921 a, 921 b ofconnector 901 are part of the housing 902 and the alignment features 922a, 922 b of connector 911 are part of the housing 912. The t-posts andt-slots described in this example can be used to provide a reducedfootprint of the connector and the mating connector, e.g., when comparedto the round pins and sockets previously discussed.

In some embodiments, the sides 931, 932 941, 942 of t-posts 921 a, 922 aand the sides 933, 934, 943, 944 of the t-slots 922 a, 922 b may betapered such that the clearance between the t-posts 921 a, 922 a andt-slots 921 b, 922 b is larger at the mating surfaces of the connectorsand the clearance between the t-posts 921 a, 922 a and t-slots 921 b,922 b becomes progressively smaller as the t-posts 921 a, 922 a areinserted farther into the t-slots 922 b, 921 b during mating. FIGS. 9Aand 9B illustrate left and right side perspective views, respectively,of the connector 901 and mating connector 911 in an initial matingposition. FIGS. 9C and 9D illustrate left and right side perspectiveview, respectively, of the connector 901 and mating connector 911 duringmating, at a position where the t-posts have been inserted about onethird of the way into the t-slots. When the connectors 901, 911 are inthe position shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D, the clearance between the t-posts921 a, 922 a and t-slots 922 b, 921 b is reduced when compared to theinitial mating clearance. For example, the clearances between thet-posts 921 a, 922 a and t-slots 922 b, 921 b when the connectors 901,911 are in the position shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D may be at a minimumvalue. Tapering the sides 931, 932 941, 942, 933, 934, 943, 944 of thet-posts 921 a, 922 a and t-slots 921 b, 922 b in this manner enhancesprecision alignment, controlling five of the six degrees of freedom,e.g., translation along two of three orthogonal axes and rotation aroundthree orthogonal axes, the sixth degree of freedom being translationalong the orthogonal axis parallel to the mating axis 299.

The alignment features shown in FIGS. 9A through 9D control five degreesof freedom with compact alignment features on both sides of theconnectors with good precision and reduced tendency to bind. The sixthdegree (translation along the mating axis) can be controlled by themating surfaces of the connector housing as previously described.

The latching mechanisms discussed herein can be used to securely latchand unlatch a connector pair, e.g., a hermaphroditic connector pair.Connector assemblies disclosed herein can be easily unlatched fromeither side of the connector assembly. In conventional connectorassemblies, secure latching of hermaphroditic connectors has required anadditional component to secure the hermaphroditic connectors or theunlatching requires actuation on each connector of a mating pair.

The disclosed latching mechanisms can be used with alignment featuresfor aligning connector components. The flat nature of the t-slots andt-posts alignment features described above reduces the space to providefor precise alignment and the area of the connector housing protrudingbeyond the connected interface is minimized. The compact dual latchingfeatures allow for a small footprint connector capable of mating,latching, unlatching and de-mating from an identical connector. Theconnector having a latching mechanism and/or alignment features asdescribed above can be plugged into and latched onto a multi-modulebackplane or frontplane type carrier to provide a high signal density,high signal count board to board interface.

The latching mechanisms disclosed herein are useful in conjunction withoptical ferrules and optical connectors such as those described incommonly owned U.S. Patent Application 61/710,077 filed on Oct. 5, 2012which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Additionalinformation regarding ferrules, alignment frames, and connectors thatmay be used in conjunction with the latching approaches described hereinis provided in the following commonly owned and concurrently filed U.S.Patent Applications which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S.Patent Application Ser. No. 62/240,069, having the title “OpticalFerrules” and identified by Attorney Docket Number 76982US002; U.S.Patent Application Ser. No. 62/240,066, having the title “Ferrules,Alignment Frames and Connectors,” and identified by Attorney DocketNumber 75767US002; U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/240,008, havingthe title “Optical Cable Assembly with Retainer,” identified by AttorneyDocket Number 76662US002; U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/240,010,having the title “Optical Coupling Device with Waveguide AssistedRegistration,” identified by Attorney Docket Number 76660US002; U.S.Patent Application 62/239,996, having the title “Optical Ferrules andOptical Ferrule Molds,” identified by Attorney Docket Number 75985US002;U.S. Patent Application 62/240,002, having the title “Optical Ferruleswith Waveguide Inaccessible Space,” identified by Attorney Docket Number76778US002; U.S. Patent Application 62/104,196, having the title“Configurable Modular Connectors,” identified by Attorney Docket Number75907US002; and U.S. Patent Application 62/240,005, having the title“Hybrid Connectors,” identified by Attorney Docket Number 76908US002.

Items described in this disclosure include:

-   Item 1. A device comprising:    -   a hermaphroditic connector configured to mate with a mating        hermaphroditic connector, the connector having a latching        mechanism configured to mechanically unlatch the connector and        the mating connector, the latching mechanism of the connector,        when actuated to unlatch the connector and the mating connector,        disengaging both a retention feature of the connector and a        retention feature of the mating connector.-   Item 2. The device of item 1, wherein the connector is an electrical    connector.-   Item 3. The device of item 1, wherein the connector is an optical    connector.-   Item 4. The device of item 1, wherein the connector connects both    electrical and optical paths.-   Item 5. The device of and of items 1 through 4, wherein the latching    mechanism includes first and second arms that move in opposite    directions to disengage the retention mechanisms of the connector    and the mating connector.-   Item 6. The device of item 5, wherein the latching mechanism    includes a pivot arm connected to the first and second arms, wherein    rotation of the pivot arm about a fulcrum causes the first and    second arms to move in opposite directions.-   Item 7. The device of item 6, wherein the latching mechanism    includes a lever coupled to the pivot arm such that a force applied    to the lever rotates the lever and causes the pivot arm to rotate    about the fulcrum.-   Item 8. The device of item 7, wherein the retention feature of the    connector comprises a latch configured to engage with one or more    catches of a mating connector and the retention feature of the    mating connector includes a latch configured to engage with one or    more catches of the connector.-   Item 9. The device of item 8, wherein the latching mechanism    includes a first disengagement feature configured to disengage the    latch of the connector from the catches of the mating connector and    a second disengagement feature configured to disengage the latch of    the mating connector from the catches of the connector.-   Item 10. The device of item 9, wherein the first disengagement    feature comprises a cam disposed at an end of the second arm and the    second disengagement feature comprises dual cams disposed at an end    of the first arm.-   Item 11. The device of any of items 1 through 11, wherein the    connector includes alignment features configured to engage with    complementary alignment features of the mating connector.-   Item 12. The device of item 11, wherein the alignment features    comprise a T-pin on the first side of the connector and a T-slot on    the second side of the connector.-   Item 13. The device of item 12, wherein sides of at least one of the    T-pin and the T-slot are tapered.-   Item 14: A connector having a latching mechanism comprising:    -   a first retention feature arranged at a first side of the        connector;    -   a second retention feature arranged at a second side of the        connector;    -   a first disengagement feature configured to disengage the second        retention feature of the connector from a first retention        feature of a mating connector;    -   a second disengagement feature configured to disengage a second        retention feature of the mating connector from the first        retention feature of the connector; and an actuator mechanism        configured to cause movement of the first and second        disengagement features to cause disengagement of the second        retention features from the first retention features.-   Item 15. The connector of item 14, wherein the first retention    features comprises one or more catches.-   Item 16. The connector of any of items 14 through 15, wherein the    second retention feature comprises one or more latches.-   Item 17. The connector of any of claims 14 through 16, wherein the    first disengagement feature comprises at least one cam.-   Item 18. The connector of any of items 14 through 17, wherein the    second disengagement feature comprises one or more cams.-   Item 19. The connector of any of items 14 through 18, wherein the    actuator mechanism comprises moveable first and second arms operated    by a lever the actuator mechanism configured to cause movement of    the first and second disengagement features.-   Item 20. A connector having a latching mechanism, the latching    mechanism comprising:    -   a retention feature disposed on a first side of the connector;    -   a complementary retention feature disposed on a second side of        the connector opposite the first side, the retention feature of        the connector configured to engage a complementary retention        feature of a mating connector and the complementary retention        feature of the connector configured to engage a retention        feature of the mating connector;    -   an actuating lever having a first end and a second end;    -   a first arm disposed along the first side of the connector, the        first arm having a first end and a second end and one or more        cams disposed at the second end of the first arm;    -   a linkage attaching the first end of the first arm to the second        end of the actuating lever;    -   a second arm disposed along the second side of the connector,        the second arm having a first end and a second end and at least        one cam disposed at the second end of the second arm;    -   a pivot arm rigidly attached to the second end of the actuating        lever and attached to the first end of the second arm by a        hinge; and    -   wherein actuation of the lever causes rotation of the first end        of the lever around the second end of the lever, the rotation of        the first end of the lever causes the pivot arm to rotate around        a fulcrum, rotation of the pivot arm around the fulcrum causes        the first arm and the second arm to move in opposite directions        along the first and second sides of the connector, respectively,        motion of the first arm causes the cams at the second end of the        first arm to disengage the retention feature of the connector        from the complementary retention feature of the mating        connector, motion of the second arm causes the cam at the second        end of the second arm to disengage the complementary retention        feature of the connector from the retention feature of the        mating connector.-   Item 21. The connector of item 20, wherein:    -   the retention feature comprises one or more catches; and    -   the complementary retention feature comprises one or more        latches.-   Item 22. The connector of any of items 20 through 21, wherein the    retention feature is a dual catch and the complementary retention    feature is a single latch.-   Item 23. The connector of any of items 20 through 22, wherein the    linkage comprises a first hinge joint attached to the lever and a    second hinge joint attached to the first end of the first arm.-   Item 24. The connector of any of items 20 through 23, wherein the    linkage comprises a first hinge joint attached to the lever and a    bendable blade attached to the first end of the first arm.-   Item 25. The connector of any of items 20 through 24, wherein the    one or more cams disposed at the second end of the first arm are    dual cams and the at least one cam disposed at the second end of the    second arm is a single cam.-   Item 26. The connector of any of items 20 through 25, wherein:    -   the first arm comprises two sub-arms; and    -   the one or more cams comprises two cams arranged so that one cam        is disposed at the second end of each of the sub-arms.-   Item 27. The connector of any of items 20 through 26, further    comprising alignment features configured to engage with    complementary alignment features of the mating connector.-   Item 28. The connector of item 27, wherein the alignment features    comprise a T-pin on the first side of the connector and a T-slot on    the second side of the connector.-   Item 29. The connector of item 28, wherein sides of at least one of    the T-pin and the T-slot are tapered.-   Item 30. A method of unlatching a connector from a mating connector,    comprising:    -   operating an actuating lever coupled to a pivot arm and to first        and second side arms;    -   translationally moving the first and second side arms in        opposite directions in response to operating the actuating        lever;    -   disengaging a second retention feature of the connector from a        first retention feature of a mating connector in response to        movement of the second side arm; and    -   disengaging a second retention feature of the mating connector        from a first retention feature of the connector in response to        movement of the first side arm.-   Item 31. The method of item 30, wherein:    -   disengaging the second retention feature of the connector from        the first retention feature of the mating connector comprises        disengaging a latch of the connector from a catch of the mating        connector; and    -   disengaging the second retention feature of the mating connector        from the first retention feature of the connector comprises        disengaging a latch of the mating connector from a catch of the        connector.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes,amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claimsare to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term“about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numericalparameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claimsare approximations that can vary depending upon the desired propertiessought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing theteachings disclosed herein. The use of numerical ranges by endpointsincludes all numbers within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2,2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5) and any range within that range.

Various modifications and alterations of the embodiments discussed abovewill be apparent to those skilled in the art, and it should beunderstood that this disclosure is not limited to the illustrativeembodiments set forth herein. The reader should assume that features ofone disclosed embodiment can also be applied to all other disclosedembodiments unless otherwise indicated. It should also be understoodthat all U.S. patents, patent applications, patent applicationpublications, and other patent and non-patent documents referred toherein are incorporated by reference, to the extent they do notcontradict the foregoing disclosure.

1. A device comprising: a hermaphroditic connector configured to matewith a mating hermaphroditic connector, the connector comprising alatching mechanism configured to mechanically unlatch the connector andthe mating connector, and an actuator mechanism configured to cause thelatching mechanism to disengage a retention feature from a correspondingretention feature of the mating connector.
 2. The device of claim 1,wherein the latching mechanism further comprises a disengagement featureconfigured to disengage the retention feature of the connector from thecorresponding retention feature of the mating connector.
 3. The deviceof claim 2, wherein the actuator mechanism comprises moveable first andsecond arms operated by a lever of the actuator mechanism configured tocause movement of the disengagement feature.
 4. The device of claim 1,wherein the connector connects both electrical and optical paths.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the connector includes alignment featuresconfigured to engage with complementary alignment features of the matingconnector.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the alignment featurescomprise a T-pin on the first side of the connector and a T-slot on thesecond side of the connector.
 7. A method of unlatching a connector froma mating connector, comprising: operating an actuating lever coupled toa first retention feature and a second retention feature of theconnector; translationally moving the first and second retentionfeatures in opposite directions in response to operating the actuatinglever; disengaging the second retention feature of the connector from afirst retention feature of a mating connector in response to movement ofthe second retention feature; and disengaging a second retention featureof the mating connector from the first retention feature of theconnector in response to movement of the first retention feature.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the first retention feature comprises one ormore catches, and wherein the second retention feature comprises one ormore latches.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein moving the first andsecond retention features is achieved by moving first and seconddisengagement features coupled to the first and second retentionfeatures, respectively.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the actuatinglever comprises moveable first and second arms coupled to and configuredto cause movement of the first and second disengagement features.